Quick answer: In Tamil Nadu, Deepavali is observed on the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi — Saturday, 7 November 2026 — with the pre-dawn oil bath. Tamil Nadu celebrates Deepavali on the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi (7 November 2026) with a pre-dawn oil bath (Ganga snanam), new clothes, firecrackers and the herbal Deepavali marundu. Perform Lakshmi Puja in the pradosh (dusk) window after local sunset — confirm the exact muhurat for Chennai with a local panchang.

Tamil Nadu celebrates Deepavali on the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi (7 November 2026) with a pre-dawn oil bath (Ganga snanam), new clothes, firecrackers and the herbal Deepavali marundu.

How Tamil Nadu celebrates Diwali 2026

Before dawn, families apply oil, take the ceremonial Ganga snanam bath, wear new clothes and burst crackers to mark the slaying of Narakasura. The special Deepavali legiyam (marundu), a digestive herbal jam, is eaten to balance the festive feasting.

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Homes exchange sweets and savouries, and temples hold special pujas; unlike much of North India, the emphasis is on the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi rather than the evening Lakshmi Puja.

Where to celebrate in Tamil Nadu

  • Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore Deepavali markets
  • Kapaleeshwarar and other city temples

Diwali 2026 dates in Tamil Nadu

Date

Observance

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Friday, 6 November

Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)

Saturday, 7 November

Deepavali (Naraka Chaturdashi, pre-dawn oil bath)

Sunday, 8 November

Diwali · Lakshmi Puja

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Monday, 9 November

Govardhan Puja / Annakut / Balipadyami

Tuesday, 10 November

Bhai Dooj

Lakshmi Puja is done in the pradosh window after sunset on 8 November; because it follows local sunset it shifts by city, so use a panchang set to your town or check today's panchangam.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tamil Deepavali on 7 or 8 November 2026?

Tamil Nadu observes Deepavali on the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi, 7 November 2026, with the pre-dawn oil bath, a day before the North Indian Lakshmi Puja on 8 November.

Diwali 2026 — India state guides

Explore Diwali 2026 across India and our wider guides: